The rebel Houthi group in Yemen has announced that they have launched a missile targetted at Israel, which was intercepted before it could enter the country. According to the group’s military spokesperson, the missile was aimed at Ben Gurion Airport, located near Tel Aviv. Sirens were activated in various areas of Israel as a precautionary measure, but no injuries were reported, and the Israeli Defense Forces claim that the missile was neutralized before it entered Israeli territory.
Meanwhile, the Hamas-run civil defense agency in Gaza reported that Israeli strikes early on Thursday resulted in the deaths of at least 10 individuals. Israel has intensified its ground operations in Gaza following a series of air strikes that the Hamas-run health ministry claims have killed more than 430 people in two days. The air strikes on Thursday reportedly targeted six homes east of Khan Younis, causing injuries to several individuals.
The Israeli military acknowledged the interception of the Yemen-launched missile and stated that sirens were sounded in accordance with protocols. The Houthi group has vowed to retaliate, including against Israel, in response to recent deadly strikes carried out by the US against them. The group, supported by Iran, controls Sanaa and the northwest of Yemen, and while it is not the internationally recognized government, it claims to be acting in support of Palestinians during the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza.
US President Donald Trump has warned Iran of dire consequences if the Yemeni Houthis continue to attack international shipping lanes. The Pentagon announced that it has targeted 30 locations in Yemen since Saturday, representing the biggest US military operation in the Middle East since Trump assumed office. The Houthi group attempted to attack the USS Harry S Truman in the Red Sea on Sunday, following US strikes on Yemen.
The Israel Defense Forces reported that troops have advanced into the Netzarim Corridor, which divides the northern and southern parts of the Gaza Strip. This renewed assault on Gaza marks the end of the fragile ceasefire deal that was in place since January. The UN also reported that two individuals, including one of its staff members, were killed in an explosion at its compound in Deir al-Balah. On October 7, 2023, Hamas launched a devastating attack on Israel, resulting in the deaths of approximately 1,200 people and the capture of 251 hostages, with only 25 being released alive during the initial phase of the ceasefire. Israel’s military response has reportedly killed over 48,500 Palestinians and caused extensive destruction to homes and infrastructure, according to the Hamas-run health ministry.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/czed9y97z4go
